💡 Centripetal Force
F = mv²/r — The force required to keep an object moving in a circular path, always directed toward the center of the circle.
Circular Motion Calculator
Configure motion parameters
Solve for:
⚖️Mass (m)
🚀Velocity (v)
⭕Radius (r)
Centripetal Force
8000 N
Acceleration
8.00 m/s²
Angular Velocity
0.40 rad/s
Period
15.7 s
📚 Try These Examples
Car Turn
1500kg @ 60km/h, r=30m
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500kg @ 25m/s, r=15m
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1000kg @ 7.8km/s
Ball on String
0.5kg @ 5m/s, r=1m
🔄 Circular Motion Animation
v = 20 m/s
r = 50 m
F = 8000 N
📝 Circular Motion Formulas
F = mv²/r
Centripetal Force
a = v²/r
Centripetal Accel
ω = v/r
Angular Velocity
T = 2πr/v
Period
🧮Step-by-Step Solution
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Understanding Centripetal Force
Centripetal force is the net force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It's always directed toward the center of the circle, perpendicular to the velocity.
Key Concepts
- Centripetal ≠ Centrifugal: Centripetal force is real; centrifugal is a perceived "pseudo-force"
- Direction: Always points toward the center of the circular path
- Sources: Can be tension, friction, gravity, or any combination
- No Work: Centripetal force does no work (perpendicular to motion)
Real-World Examples
- Car turning: Friction between tires and road provides centripetal force
- Satellites: Gravity provides the centripetal force for orbital motion
- Roller coasters: Normal force and gravity combine at loops
- Centrifuge: Uses centripetal force to separate substances by density